Victorian Garden

The Victorian Garden provides a grand first impression for our main entrance. It was created in 2006 with a memorial gift from the family of William and Phyllis Ham and supported with Eagle Scout Projects. Rock terrace walls and colorful plantings have transformed this former hill into a lush oasis. It’s become a community jewel with the only waterfall in Greenville, Michigan. The Michigan Museum Association awarded The Flat River Historical Society the “Small Museum Institutional Achievement Award” for the new garden and waterfall. It more recently received the “Keep Michigan Beautiful” President’s Award in 2022. We thank all of the donors and volunteers who have supported the garden over time.
Flowers in the Spring
Garden Path
Waterfall
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The garden is constantly changing throughout the growing season, so we encourage you to visit often. Stroll through the garden on the path made from Greenville’s original brick streets from 1910. Relax beside the waterfall or in the corn crib gazebo. Capture a memorable moment in the garden…it’s one of the most popular areas in town for a birthday, engagement, anniversary or graduation picture. The garden provides a great place to sit and read, chat with a friend, or just enjoy nature. It is free to the public.

HISTORY, EVEN IN THE GARDEN

Outdoor artifacts extend our museum exhibit space into the garden area. These antiques can be viewed in the garden, even when the museum is not open. Be sure to read the interpretive signs in the garden and on the museum ramp. Even the path you stroll is historic!

    • Fire bell – the first fire bell used in Greenville from 1876 to 1941.
    • Plow – horse-drawn three bottom plow used by an area farmer.
    • Corn crib – corn storage crib used on a local farm, now our lovely gazebo
    • Bridge sign–large bridge sign from the Fairplains Street bridge built in 1883
    • Mill stone–a large stone wheel from Greenville’s first grist mill built in 1851
    • Cornerstones – Original 1912 and 1936 annex cornerstones from Central School
    • Garden path–of historic bricks from Greenville’s original streets from 1910
    • Quilt block –depicts early Greenville: Indians, sawmills and Danes (N side of the building)

Volunteer to help maintain the garden. There is something everyone can do! If you are interested in working in the garden, let us know on the volunteer page!

Volunteer